Groodle in the City

14 months old and a new baby

Just after Nando’s first birthday, we had a baby. Nando went to stay with friends for a week while we were in hospital, as well as for a couple of the first days we were at home. Our friends spoiled him rotten, and when he came home he was mostly happy, but he didn’t really make eye contact with me, or look at the baby much for the first week.

Gradually he became more interested in the baby, and has mostly forgiven me for spending so much time with this wiggly new thing. My husband has been making sure he gets plenty of exercise and socialisation with other dogs. Overall, so far, the transition with the new baby has been relatively easy.

Nando gets a bit nervous/worried? when the baby cries.

In recent weeks he has started to show some aggression when playing with a toy with another dog. Some mild fights have broken out, especially with the French Bulldogs. We are now putting his throw toys away if another dog is present. Perhaps this is related to the baby, or too the fact that his chemical castration may be wearing off.

Update 1: Now that the baby is 4 months old, Nando has gotten used to having it around, but he mostly ignores the baby. He does get a bit jealous when I am playing with the baby and becomes more ‘needy’ – he brings his blanket over wanting to play with me too…….I try not to leave him out when possible :).

Update 2: At 5 months the baby has started interacting with Nando (she loves him). She grabs at his beard (which he tolerates well but we don’t let it go on for too long), and grabs big handfuls of his coat (and tries to lick it) – he tolerates that too, although again, we are very careful not too let it go on too long. He licks her hands and feet (we keep him wormed, and wash her hands afterwards). She smiles whenever she sees him, and laughs when he is running and playing.